JPH0848333A - Small-sized container - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a container which is used as toys in a diversified manner by providing a small container and a means for implementing slide-insertion- connection to obtain both the possibility as the movable combination and the possibility of a plurality of static combinations as a result. CONSTITUTION: The sliding and inserting directions of two small containers 2 by means 16, 18 of fixed shape to perform the slide-insertion-connection are indicated by a bold arrow. A result element 14 is provided respectively in at least one small container 2 and both end face sections of the small container 2 to be connected thereto in a detachable manner, and the small containers 2 can be connected to each other in such a manner confronting each other by the respective end face sections. The small container 2 has an annular cylindrical section 8 whose diameter is slightly larger than its diameter, and the means 16, 18 for slide-insertion-connection are arranged to continuously surround the whole peripheral area of the cylindrical section 8 and the small container 2. The small container 2 is provided with an upper part 4 and a lower part 6, and the lower part 6 has a lead-in where the upper part 4 is arranged inside.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

This invention relates to at least one cylinder having at least one miniature container and means for being positioned within the region of the cylindrical peripheral surface of this compartment to make a sliding insert connection in the shape of a lock. It relates in particular to further such mini-containers of plastic, in particular including an annular cylindrical section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such a container is disclosed in German Patent Publication (D
E-OS) No. 4119252. The small container described therein has a plastic molded body having an upper portion and a lower portion and can hold various objects. The upper and lower parts are separable. The means for making a form-locking sliding insert connection of this mini-container is on the periphery of the container so that some such containers can be fixedly interconnected by this plug-in or sliding connection possibility. It is composed of a plurality of dovetail-shaped recesses and protrusions. In addition to their practical use as containers, ie as transportation and packaging means, small containers can also be used as connectable building blocks for connectable building blocks toys. Such mini-containers are used, for example, as chocolate eggs as the contents of a hollow body and hold as packaging means for parts of a toy, for example as a surprise of their function. In their function as toys in the form of connectable assembled blocks, several small containers can be interconnected in multiple combinations, but always a unique static shape results. However, these purely static possibilities of combining small containers are interesting and not sufficient for use as a wide variety of toys.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention thus results in both a movable combination possibility as well as a plurality of static combination possibilities, so that the container can be used more versatilely as a toy. It is based on the technical problem of improving the simple and efficient form of the small container described above.

[0004]

It is an object of the present invention to provide at least one cylinder having means located in the region of the cylindrical peripheral area of this compartment for making a locking-shaped sliding insert connection with at least one small container. A further such mini-container of plastics, in particular including a cylindrical section, in particular of an annular shape, the said mini-container being a sliding insert connection on a similarly formed means of said further mini-container. A small container characterized in that it is rotatable by its means in a peripheral direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and is always held in a radially fixed manner during this rotating movement. .

The advantage of the mini-containers according to the present invention is that some such mini-vessels can be made into a variety of shapes so that the most varied shapes and structures can be formed that allow a stable and removable connection between the mini-vessels. Not only can they be statically combined in orientation or size, but they can also be provided with stable and moveable structures at the same time that increase their potential for use and increase their play and entertainment value.

In the miniature container according to the invention, the means for making a sliding insert connection for this purpose are the form-locked sliding insert connection made by the engagement of at least one projection in one recess, the recess and the projection. The parts are formed such that their mutual separation and separation are such that, in the rotation of the two small containers on each other, the forward convex in the direction of rotation is followed by the convex that follows in the direction of rotation in which it is engaged in the recess. Mutually selected so that the parts are already in shape-locking engagement with the next recess before being disengaged from the shape-locking engagement, and alternately and mutually adapted to the corresponding recesses and projections It has also proved to be an advantage to consist of a region of the cylindrical peripheral surface of the container.

This can be realized particularly preferably when the recesses and protrusions are designed to be dovetail-shaped. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to this form. A large movement and rotation area can be achieved if the projections and depressions are arranged continuously over the entire peripheral area of the small container.
Furthermore, when the means for making a sliding insert connection are made of a resilient material, it is of great advantage with regard to the fixed-rotatability.

In order to increase the possibilities and playability values of the combination of several small containers according to the invention, the coupling element has an end face of the small container which makes a removable connection with at least one further such small container. At least one of
It has proved to be an advantage to be provided one level above. For this purpose it has proved to be particularly suitable that the coupling element is a bayonet fastener-like structural part or other suitable plug connector or the like.

It is essential that the stop be provided on the container and / or the means for making the sliding insert connection so that the sliding insert connection can only be seen in one direction of insertion. It is a particularly preferred use for larger smaller containers according to the invention. In the case of the smaller package according to the invention, the sliding insert connection can easily be retained by the frictional forces generated by the means for making this connection, whereas the package contains therein the frictional force due to its large weight. In the case of a larger mini-reservoir according to the invention which overcomes the above and slides out of engagement, the sliding insert connection can be disengaged at the corresponding position of the mini-reservoir.

[0010]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The process of sliding or inserting two small containers 2 relative to each other by their means 16, 18 to make a form-locked sliding insertion connection is shown in FIG. The direction of insertion is indicated by the thick arrow. Means 16 and 18 are described in further detail below. The container 2 has a substantially cylindrical structure and a rounded end at the end of the longitudinal side that passes through the flattened end face section. The surface of the shell of the container 2 is formed into a cylindrical shape.

Coupling elements 14 are provided in each of the two end sections of the container 2 so as to make a detachable connection with at least one further container 2, whereby the containers are opposed by their respective end sections. Can be connected in any way. The small container 2 has an annular cylindrical section 8 whose diameter in this case is slightly larger than the diameter of the small container 2 itself. However, this dimension is not unavoidable and the diameter of the annular cylindrical section 8 can be equal to the diameter of the small container 2. In the region of the cylindrical peripheral surface of the compartment 8, means 16, 18 are provided for making a form-locking sliding insert connection with at least one further such small container 2. Means 16, 18 for form-locking sliding inserts, which can be easily seen in plan view according to FIG. 2, are arranged so as to respectively continuously surround the cylindrical compartment 8 or the entire peripheral area of the container 2. . However, it is likewise conceivable to form the means 16, 18 respectively in only a cylindrical section 8 or only part of the area of the container 2. In such an embodiment, it is possible to locally limit the rotational movement of the two connected containers 2. For example, this could be a stop.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the small container 2 has a lid-shaped upper portion 4 and a lower portion 6. The lower part 6 is a drag (dra) over which the upper part 4 is arranged like a sliding lid.
wn-in) edges. A bead 10 is provided on the retracting edge for fixing. The upper part 4 has a groove 12 fitted in the bead 10. Upon insertion of the upper part 4 onto the lower part 6, the annular bead 10 engages in the annular groove 2 in a fixed manner. The shape of the coupling element 14 on the end face section of the container 2 can be identified in FIG. 3 as well as in FIGS. The coupling element 14 on the lower part 6 of the container 2 in this example comprises a projection consisting of a hook element arranged on a loop with radially inwardly facing hook ends. This hook element forms a recess. Corresponding protrusions are provided on the end face section of the upper part 4, the protrusions being on the lower part 6.
Is inserted into the recess of the coupling element 14 and is formed therein like a ring-shaped pot with hook elements radially outward to rotate like a bayonet fastener and into the coupling position. A stop is provided at the end of the connecting position.

A further embodiment of the coupling element 14 can be formed, for example, such that the mutually adapted projections are provided on the end face section of the container 2. In this case, the protrusion is provided on the upper part 4 which has a knob-shaped recess. On the other hand, the lower part 6 has a protrusion consisting of a rim or ring with a larger annular recess than the protrusion of the upper part. The upper part 4 can thus be plugged into the lower part 6. However, in the closed state of the small containers 2, i.e. the upper part 4 is arranged inside the lower part 6 like a sliding lid, and after the bead 10 has been engaged in the groove 12, several small containers 2 are joined together. It is also possible. This is done as described above.

As an alternative to the differently formed coupling elements 14 on the upper part 4 and the lower part 6 of the container, other, preferably different, matching pluggable connectors are used, and similarly formed connectors. Good. A plan view of the principle of static engagement of the means 16, 18 for making a form-locking sliding insertion connection of two mini-casings 2 is shown in FIG. The means for making a sliding insertion connection are respectively convex portions 16 arranged alternately on the annular cylindrical section 8 of the container 2 for the entire cylindrical section 8 or the entire annular peripheral area of the container 2. It is clear from the figure that it comprises a recess 18. The convex portion 16 and the concave portion 18 each have a dovetail shape.

FIG. 5 shows the convex portion 16 and the concave portion 18 in more detail. The dimensions of protrusions 16 and recesses 18 similar to the critical dimensions of the small container 2 underlying the embodiment (see FIG. 1) for explaining the present invention are shown in Table 1 below: TABLE 1 Dimensions ( mm): A 11.5 B 32 C 02.9 D 02.9 E 01.0 F 01.0 G 01.8 H 45 In Table 1 A is within its extension along the annular cylindrical section 8. The lengths of the means 16, 18 for making a sliding insertion connection are shown, B shows the width of the small container 2, C shows the width of the projection 16 on the peripheral surface and D shows the recess 18 on the peripheral surface. , E is the height of the convex portion 16 on the bottom of the concave portion 18, and F is the
Indicates the depth of the concave portion 18 with respect to the upper edge of the convex portion 16 on the peripheral surface, G indicates the width of the bottom portion of the convex portion 16, and H indicates the height of the small container 2.

The above dimensions apply only to the illustrative embodiment of the present invention and may vary significantly depending on the form of use. Convex portion 16
The mini-container 2 according to the invention consisting of and a recess 18 is made entirely of plastic such as polypropylene or ABS. The wall thickness of the small container 2 of this embodiment is about 0.5 to 1.0 mm. In the region of the annular cylindrical section 8 as well as the coupling element 14, the wall thickness is preferably thicker. Depending on the size of the package, the dimensions can vary widely from the above values.

Forming means for making a sliding insertion connection,
Alternately arranged in the region of the cylindrical periphery of the annular cylindrical section 8 and containing mutually fitted projections 16 and recesses 18, the container 2 has a shape-locking sliding insert connection in one recess. May be formed by engagement of at least one protrusion 16,
The projections 16 and the depressions 18 are designed to be formed such that their separation and separation from one another on rotation of two such small containers on top of one another in the direction of rotation in front of the projection 1
6 is in such a way that the next projection 16 in engagement with the recess 18 in the direction of rotation at that time is already arranged in the next recess 18 in a fixed engagement before it comes out of the fixed engagement. Mutually selected and adapted in.

The mode of operation of the form-locked rotation on top of each other of two mini-containers 2 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG.
This will be described with reference to 7 and 8. The small container 2.1,
2.2 shows both static and form-locking sliding insert connections of 2.2. In this case, one convex portion 16.1b of the small container 2.1
Engages one recess 18.2a of the container 2.2.
The convex portions 16.2a and 16.2b of the small container 2.2 on both sides of the convex portion 16.1b of the small container 2.1 have both edges 20.2a and 22.2b thereof protruding from the small container 2.1. Surrounding the part 16.1b, while the edges 22.2b, 20.2b are respectively located on opposite sides of the engaging projection 16.1b, respectively edge 2 of the respective projection 16.1a, 16.1C.
Some overlap with 0.1a and 22.1c. During this overlap, the edges can be touched or located at a small distance from each other.

FIG. 7 shows the phase advanced from the static stage shown in FIG. 6, in which the rotary movement can be started perpendicular to the insertion direction in the peripheral direction of the containers 2.1, 2.2. The direction of rotation is indicated by the arrow. In this case, the small container 2.1 is fixed while the small container 2.2 rotates on the small container 2.1. One protrusion 16.1b of the small container 2.1, which engages one recess 18.2a of the small container 2.2 in order to start the rotational movement in the direction indicated by the arrow, deforms slightly elastically. And is bent slightly in the direction of rotation. In this case, at the time of engagement with the recess 18.2a, the edge 20.2 of the protrusion 16.2a which follows in the direction of rotation with respect to the protrusion 16.1b.
a moves further upwards towards the edge 22.1b, but in this case the form-locking engagement still remains. At the same time, the front convex portion 16.2b in the rotational direction moves to the left in the rotational direction,
As a result, the edge 20.2b thereof is the edge 2 of the convex portion 16.1c.
2.1c is coming.

FIG. 8 shows the phase following the state shown in FIG. The direction of rotation is also indicated by the arrow. With continued rotation, the rim 20.2b slides on the rim 22.1c and slides into the recess 18.1b of the container 2.1, where it is engaged. The elastic deformation of the convex portion 16.2b may occur during this process. Due to the elastic deformation of the projection 16.1b, the projection 16.2a of the small container 2.2 is still in fixed engagement with this projection 16.1b. However, as soon as the rotational movement progresses only slightly, the edge 20.2a has the convex portion 1
Sliding on edge 22.1b of 6.1b, disengagement.
At the same time, the convex portion 16.2b of the small container 2.2 is replaced by the small container 2.
It is further pushed into the recess 18.1b of No. 1 and enters. Therefore, this state corresponds to the state shown in FIG.

The above process is itself repeated in successive phases of the rotary movement. The rotational movement can be identified both in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and in the opposite direction. It is possible to rotate two or more small containers according to the invention with respect to one another in the peripheral direction, the small containers being radial without any further connection between the small containers which are present via the projections 16 and the recesses 18. It is clear from the above description of the mode of operation during the course of rotation of the mini-container according to the invention that it is always held in a shape-fixed manner. The tangentially fixed engagement is ensured by the toothed design of the parts 16 and 18 itself. The edges of the protrusions 16 and the edges of the recesses 18 may each be rounded as shown in FIGS. However, depending on the size of the package, this roundness can already result from the tolerances required for the molding mechanism of the package according to the invention. However, for small containers with large dimensions, it is in principle necessary to provide appropriately rounded convex and concave edges.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the small container 2 of the present invention. A stop 24 in the form of an annular shoulder at the end of the annular cylindrical section 8 on which in this variant of the container the means 16, 18 for making a form-locking sliding insertion connection is arranged. Is provided so that a sliding insert connection is only possible in one direction of insertion. The container thus combined with the container thus deformed is no longer slidable out of the sliding insert connection in the direction of the stop, which is a danger especially present in the case of large containers according to the invention. do not do. The widening of the protrusions 16 or the narrowing of the recesses 18, respectively, or other suitable measures, can also serve as a stop.

The present invention is not limited to the above two embodiments. Modifications or improvements are possible in various ways. For example, the mini-vessel may have a rectangular, square or other polygonal shape instead of the illustrated rounded cylindrical shape, in which case means 16 for making a form-locked sliding insert connection.
The annular cylindrical compartments provided as 18 each take the shape used. The above-mentioned means, including the protrusions 16 and the recesses 18 thereof, may also be provided over the entire circumference of the container 2 or may be limited to certain areas thereof.

The projections 16 and the depressions 18 may additionally have suitable formations different from the dovetail design described above, for example asymmetrical designs are also conceivable. In addition, the small container according to the present invention may be provided with another additional component or an additional component housed inside the small container, the additional component being a compact block that can be connected to a connectable building block toy. It can be used in any suitable manner with a container. For this purpose, the mini-housing according to the invention can be provided in several dimensions with additional connectability for sliding or insert connections.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 shows a side view of two small containers according to a first embodiment of the invention during the insertion process.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of one small container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of the small container according to FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of two mini-containers of the present invention engaging one another.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed schematic plan view of the means according to the invention for making a sliding insert connection.

FIG. 6 shows details of two engagement means for making a sliding insertion connection in the static state.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the shape-fixed rotation process according to the present invention in the first phase.

FIG. 8 shows an explanation of the principle of the shape-fixed rotation process according to the invention in the second phase.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a second embodiment of the small container according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2, 2.1, 2.2 small container 4 upper part 6 lower part 8 annular cylindrical section 10 bead 12 groove 14 coupling element 16, 16.1a, b, c, 16.2a, b convex part 18, 18.1a , B, 18.2a, b recesses 20.1a, b, 20.2a, b, 22.1a, b,
c, 22.2a, b Edge 24 Stopper A Length of means for making sliding insertion connection B Width of small container 2 Width of protrusion 16 on peripheral surface D Width of recess 18 on peripheral surface E Height of protrusion 16 F Depth of recess 18 G Width of base of protrusion 16 H Height of small container 2

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. At least one small container (2, 2.
1, 2.2) and means (1) located in the region of the cylindrical peripheral area of this compartment which make a sliding insert connection in the form of a lock
6, 16.1a to c, 16.2a and b, 18, 1
A small container comprising at least one cylindrical, in particular annular cylindrical compartment (8) having 8.1a and b, 18.2a and b), said small container (2, 2.1, 2.2). Are further formed means (16, 16.1a-c, 16.2) of such a small container (2, 2.1, 2.2).
a and b, 18, 18.1a and b, 18.2a and b) its means (16, 1) for making a sliding insertion connection.
6.1a to c, 16.2a and b, 18, 18.1a
And b, 18.2a and b) are rotatable in the circumferential direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and are always held radially in a lock-shaped manner during this rotational movement. 2. Means (16, 1) for making a sliding insertion connection
6.1a to c, 16.2a and b, 18, 18.1a
And b, 18.2a and b) are small containers (2, 2.1,
The recesses (18, 18.1a, b, 1) which are fitted to one another alternately in the region of the cylindrical peripheral area of the compartment (8) of 2.2).
8.2a, b) and convex portions (16, 16.1a, b, c, 1)
6.2a, b), the lock-shaped sliding insert connection has one recess (18, 1,
8.1a, b, 18.2a, b) at least one projection (16, 16.1a, b, c, 16.2a, b) into
Can be restored by the engagement of the convex part (16, 16.1a, b, c, 16.2a,
b) and recesses (18, 18.1a, b, 18.2a, b)
Are formed, and their separation and separation are such that when the two small containers (2, 2.1, 2.2) rotate relative to each other, the convex portion (16.2b) in front of the direction of rotation indicates the direction of rotation. The next concave portion (18.1b) before the convex portion (16.2a) following the
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it is already in a locking engagement and the recesses (18.1a) are mutually selected and adapted to engage when disengaged from the locking engagement. 3. Recesses (18, 18.1a, b, 18.2)
a, b) and convex portions (16, 16.1a, b, c, 16.2)
The small container according to claim 2, wherein a and b) have a dovetail shape. 4. The convex portions (16, 16.1a, b, c, 1)
6.2a, b) and recesses (18, 18.1a, b, 18.
2. Small containers according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that 2a, b) are arranged continuously over the entire peripheral area of the small container (2, 2.1, 2.2). 5. Means for making a sliding insertion connection (16, 16 ..
1a, b, c, 16.2a, b, 18, 18.1a,
5. Small container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that b, 18.2a, b) are made of a resilient material. 6. The coupling element which makes a removable connection with at least one further such small container (2, 2.1, 2.2) comprises a small container (2, 2.1, 2.2). 6. The small container according to claim 1, wherein the small container is provided on at least one of the end faces. 7. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element (14) is a bayonet fastener-like structural part or another suitable connector or the like. 8. A small container (2, 2.1, 2.2) such that the stop (24) or the like makes a sliding insertion connection.
And / or means for making a sliding insert connection (16, 1)
6.1a, b, c, 16.2a, b, 18, 18.1
8. Small container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is provided on a, b, 18.2a, b). 9. Small containers (2, 2.1, 2.2) are at least two such small containers (2, 2.1, 2.2).
9. A small container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for partially limiting the rotational movement of the.